Page 58 of Snared

“You’re a child,” Charlie said.

“I know. But you seem more annoyed by CH than you were this morning. I mean, he’s pretty annoying, so understandable,” Jax continued.

“Shut up. It’s nothing. This was only a party I was looking forward to and now I have to act like I’m in love with Josh and happily married instead of getting to hang out with everyone. It all taints the tour,” she said, her voice dropping at the end as she gave me a look.

Her remark hit me in the gut. I knew this wasn’t how she saw her first real tour going, but I couldn’t continually take the full blame for our actions. They wereouractions, not just mine.

“I’m sure Josh will be doing manager stuff and give you plenty of time to hang out with us,” Tristan said.

She gave him a small smile, and Tristan side-eyed me.

“Of course, you don’t have to be glued to my side. Pretend you like me a little bit and we won’t have to stick to each other all night,” I said.

I sat back for the rest of the ride and let them talk about tomorrow night’s show. We hadn’t played LA in a while, and Bash hadn’t been back since his relationship with Cassie had almost imploded and he’d sold his place.

They’d all sold their homes out here after that, preferring to set up a home base in New York. I’d thought about buying a second home in NYC myself because I went back and forth so much at this point, Steelwolf being the most important client I had. At least, I hoped they were still my clients after all of this.

A short while later, we headed into the private club, and I linked my hand with Charlie’s. She hesitated for a split second, and I wondered if she’d pull away, but she didn’t. Heat rolled through my body. Touching her tonight wasn’t going to be easy, but what choice did I have? My cock punched against my zipper at the thought.

“There they are!” Cameron yelled, stepping through the throng of people to get to us.

“Miss us?” Jax asked.

“Pfft, like I care about you. I just couldn’t believe the news. Our lovely Charlie married this assclown,” Cameron said, grinning. “And in Vegas, no less.” He clutched his hand to his chest in fake shock. “The scandal.”

Cameron, the Vikings’ drummer, and Jax could go head-to-head as the biggest drama queens for their respective groups. I’d managed the Vikings almost as long as Steelwolf and all the guys were close. They’d even done a few co-headlining tours over the years.

“I can’t believe you didn’t hold out for me,” Cameron said, pulling Charlie in for a hug. I didn’t like how quickly she dropped my hand.

She laughed, and for once, it didn’t sound strained. “Please. I don’t date musicians. Too much ego,” she said with a grin.

“Oh right. Like Josh doesn’t have a massive ego,” Cameron said.

“So true. His head barely fits in his bunk,” Jax said.

“Fuck off,” I muttered.

“Fucking hell, Jax. I thought you’d at least give the newlyweds the back bedroom.” Cameron paused, shaking his head. “So selfish.”

“He meant before we got married, obviously.” I pulled Charlie back into my arms. Her back pressed against my front, and she stiffened as I breathed against her ear.

I should not have wanted her this badly, but I couldn’t stop myself. At least I had the brainpower to shift my hips away from her ass so she couldn’t feel how much I craved her.

“You know I’m teasing. It was a shock. Who knew Josh had it in him to woo such a kick-ass woman,” Cameron said, still grinning. “We should do a toast.”

“Thanks, Cam, but no need to draw even more attention to us. Tonight is about you and the album. Which fucking rocks, by the way,” Charlie said, still pressed against me.

Thank god because I wasn’t ready to let her go.

“Thanks, Charlie. Means the world. I should probably go socialize or some shit, but it’s my party, so I say we grab some drinks and maybe play a little later,” Cameron said.

“I’m definitely up for that,” Jax said.

“So, how’s Ellie?” Cameron asked.

Jax stopped. “What the fuck does he know about Ellie?”

Tristan barked out a laugh. “Oh fuck, your face. I told Cam that’s what you named the girlfriend he sent you.”

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